At the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, we have a simple goal: to attract a diverse group of the highest caliber aspiring journalists to our academic programs, then to guide and support them every step of the way, from application to graduation and beyond.

You will learn in a small, intimate community where the average class size is 11 students.

What kind of students are we looking for?

Whether you come straight out of college, are already a practicing journalist, or are seeking a new career, you should demonstrate a knack for storytelling, a passion for news, and a commitment to the journalism profession.

We want students who will react to any event with questions, and more questions. We want students determined to find out how and why things work as they do.

We can teach the mechanical skills — how to use public records, how to write a lede, how to operate audio and video equipment. But it’s that innate sense of curiosity and a passion for the truth that will lead to success in our field.

2. What are the application deadlines?

The application deadline for the Master of Arts in Journalism, M.A. in Journalism with Spanish-language concentration, and M.A. in Social Journalism is December 13, 2019.

3. How do I apply?

Candidates to any of our programs should visit our application checklist to begin working on their materials to ensure a complete application.

4. What are the application requirements for an international student?

It is required that applicants who have not studied and earned a degree in the US, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand or Australia take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or The International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

The minimum score requirement on the TOEFL Computer-Based Test (CBT) is 260, and the Internet-Based Test (iBT) is 105 and The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a 7.5.

Please note: TOEFL or IELTS is also required for students from Puerto Rico and for students from non-English territories in Canada, unless the student attended an English-only speaking institution.

5. When will I receive notification of any scholarships awarded?

Applicants will receive notification of any scholarships awarded in their admission decision letter.

6. What is the minimum GPA and GRE requirement?

There is no minimum undergraduate GPA or GRE requirement. Our application review process is holistic; we look at candidates from many perspectives, so a relative weakness in one area is not necessarily a disqualifier. We want to know more about you than your grades and standardized test scores, and invite you to tell us about yourself and your interest in our program in your statement of purpose.

The GRE is optional. Students are not required to take the GRE to complete their application. However, if a student believes the scores may enhance the application, he or she may submit the scores to the CUNY Graduate Center (code 2113). It takes us approximately two weeks to receive the official scores.

7. What prerequisites do you require? I don’t have any journalism experience

All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution comparable in standard and content to a bachelor’s degree from a CUNY college (or receive this degree prior to enrollment in the program). We look for applicants who have a broad liberal arts background, and have demonstrated a commitment to the field, a passion for current events and a strong sense of curiosity.

Applicants with little or no reporting experience may want to consider doing informational interviews with a reporter or other news professional, taking an introductory journalism course, or applying for internships with news organizations in their communities. In New York City and other cities, there are many educational institutions, including community colleges, continuing education programs and professional journalism associations (mediabistro.com, etc.) offering introductory classes in non-fiction writing or reporting.

8. When will I know if I have been accepted?

M.A. in Journalism, M.A. in Journalism with Spanish-language concentration, M.A. in Social Journalism: Admission decision letters will be emailed by mid-March.

9. How can I get more information?

10. Can I take a class at the Newmark J-School before applying?

Some students may decide they’d like to take a class as a non-matriculated student before applying to the program. You should contact anthony.laviscount@journalism.cuny.edu to learn which classes may be open to students who are not enrolled in the master’s program.

You can then contact the professor teaching the class to demonstrate your interest. You should be prepared to submit work samples so the professor can evaluate how prepared you are for a graduate-level course. If the professor decides the work samples show the appropriate level of preparedness and allows you to take the class, you will need to obtain an application for non-matriculated students from anthony.laviscount@journalism.cuny.edu. The application must be submitted at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which you are taking the class. You are not guaranteed a spot while you are going through the application process.